As events in Washington, D.C. continue to dominate the political news we have to keep our eye on the prize. I’m sure many people are now having regrets because of their behavior on November 8th, 2016. Whether they voted for 45, didn’t vote for 45 or didn’t vote at all. However, we don’t have time for looking backwards. I often rely on my African roots to keep me focused. Sankofa is a word in the Twi language of Ghana that translates as "Go back and get it" (san - to return; ko - to go; fa - to fetch, to seek and take). The Sankofa bird and symbol represents the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future. It symbolizes taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge. The Sankofa represents the importance of learning from the past.

In that same vain we must look toward the 2018 election cycle and begin preparing for victory. We cannot replicate our mistakes of the past. We must educate ourselves and compile factual information to share with our cohorts and support networks. That can be very challenging in today’s environment. It is not easy to discern between facts and ‘alternative facts’. However, we must be steadfast and we must prevail.

Our task can be daunting if we look at the magnitude of it. A Chinese proverb reminds us “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Let us all take this journey together. Let us join together in the important work of making America the land of equity and freedom for all of its’ citizens; without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, political belief or legal history. Some may question these citizens because they are different, that is what has made America great. Some may question those with legal history, they have paid their debt to society.